The Geek vs. The Greek: NFL Picks, Week 9

The Geek and the Greek break down this week's NFL game of the week, the Packers versus the Panthers.

Mike ‘The Greek’ Raptis tried to shock the world with his upset pick last week, but the Patriots left him and his Dolphins burned right off the hop on Thursday night, setting the tone for an 8-6 week. He dropped two games to JJ ‘The Geek’ Adams, who had a 10-4 outing.

Overall, the Greek is 76-43, while the Geek is 78-41.

THE GREEK’S GAME OF THE WEEK

Tennessee (OFF) at New Orleans

Who’s the best leader in the NFL today?

It used to be the Ravens’ Ray Lewis. His off-the-cuff, cuff-them-up speeches may not have made much sense, but damn, did it ever pump up his teammates.

Even now, when Ray pays the Ravens’ dressing room a pre-game visit, spines tingle, wins happen, and the Greek gets a little misty-eyed (couldn’t they at least bring him back as a linebackers’ coach?)

Wanna pump up the kids to get that candy on Halloween? Dress up as … you guessed it, Ray Lewis. Now get that damn candy!

So why am I talking about Lewis? Well, there’s a small, balding white guy in New Orleans who’s been pumping up his team for years, and has led the Saints out of a 1-4 hole and back into contention for an NFC playoff spot.

Ladies and gentlemen, Drew Brees: he of the seven touchdown passes and 505 passing yards last week against the Giants.

And the Saints needed every one of them.

Brees even lost a couple of records when a stat change on Tuesday turned a fumble into an interception. But I digress.

This Sunday, Brees takes the field against a Titans team that just axed its leader, after much-maligned head coach Ken Whisenhunt was relieved of his duties on Tuesday.

Whisenhunt’s record with the Titans was 3-20 and the team had lost six straight. Well, at least he was good at winning the season openers, as the Titans won both under his tenure, but lost 16 of 17 otherwise. Note to Ken: the season doesn’t end after Week 1.

The Titans have actually not been as bad as their 1-6 record indicates. Their D is fifth in the league against the pass and third in pass yards allowed. And they haven’t had stud rookie QB Marcus Mariota under centre since Week 6, though he’s said to be nearing a return and could suit up against the Saints.

And the team could rally under interim head coach Mike Mularkey, whose successful tenures as offensive co-ordinator with the Steelers and Falcons should help get this anemic offence going.

But could they beat the Saints, even if it’s another back-and-forth shootout at the Superdome?

Nope. That’s just Mularkey.

So, who’s the best leader in the NFL today?

Or, should I ask, Who Dat?

Pick: Saints

The Geek says: Will the Titans be the next Dolphins, and win with their new interim head coach?

No.

Pick: Saints

THE GEEK’S GAME OF THE WEEK

Green Bay (+2.5) at Carolina

This week marks an NFL first: no other season has had four 7-0 teams.

Cincinnati, New England, Denver and Carolina are all undefeated, still waiting to taste the same bitter sauce that, say, the Detroit Lions have been sucking all season.

A poll at ESPN.com asked fans which undefeated team they thought would be the first to lose and, resoundingly, the answer was Carolina, at 62 per cent.

It’s easy to see why: the team has been wracked by injuries, Cam Newton has a reputation for being erratic and inaccurate, and they nearly lost to the Indianapolis Colts last week after leading by 17 points in the fourth quarter.

And next up: the mighty Green Bay Packers and Mr. Discount Double Check himself, Aaron Rodgers, who was humbled by the Broncos last week.

The Pack are the first team Carolina has faced that has a winning record, and to make matters worse, Rodgers hasn’t lost back-to-back games since 2010.

But thanks to the Broncos, the NFL now has the blueprint to beat Rodgers and the Packers: pressure the QB with four linemen, don’t let Rodgers outside the pocket, and spy with a linebacker if he does.

The Panthers defence is probably second only to the Broncos in the NFL, averaging 4.69 yards per play against — second-best in the league — and opposition quarterbacks have had a 43.0 passer rating against them, fourth in the league.

Throw in a defensive group that has forced 17 turnovers, tied for third in the league, and you have a defence capable of slowing down the Pack attack.

On the other side of the ball, Green Bay has given up 843 yards passing in the last two games, including a nickel to Philip Rivers and the Chargers.

Odds are all over the place for this game, but trust me when the Geek says …

Pick: Panthers

The Greek says: There’s one undefeated team in the NFC left — but not after this game. It’s a short week for the Panthers, while the Packers are still smarting from being embarrassed in Denver.

Pick: Packers

THURSDAY’S GAME

Cleveland (+11) at Cincinnati

The Greek says: So Johnny Football is starting against the 7-0 Bengals? No upset here, unless it’s an upset stomach from a few too many bevvies at the Manziel household after the game.

Pick: Bengals

The Geek says: The Battle of Ohio has the potential to be a trap game for the Bungles, but … nawwww.

Pick: Bengals

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Washington (+14) at New England

The Greek says: The Patriots’ path to an undefeated season has only a couple roadblocks in it. Consider the ‘Skins to be another soft step towards perfection.

Pick: Patriots

The Geek says: The Redskins couldn’t find any takers for RGIII at the trade deadline. It’s almost as it the team’s stink of failure has permeated him.

Pick: Patriots

Denver (-4.5) at Indianapolis

The Greek says: Has Andrew Luck been playing with broken ribs? It sure looks like it, considering his inability to throw the ball with any sort of accuracy. And if he has, it might be a good idea to sit this one out against the top defence in the league.

Pick: Broncos

The Geek says: The Colts showed signs of life, but Luck showed signs of the broken ribs he’s playing with last week. Also, Vernon Davis is happy.

Pick: Broncos

Oakland (+4.5) at Pittsburgh

The Greek says: There’s certainly potential for an upset here, as the 4-4 Raiders are not to be taken lightly. But Big Ben, who threw three picks last week against the Bengals, will find his groove and get the W.

Pick:Steelers

The Geek says: Are the Raiders for real? Could be. But we know what happens when keeping it real goes wrong.

Pick: Steelers

Philadelphia (-3) at Dallas

The Greek says: So, ummm, when’s Tony Romo back? He’s finally taking snaps in practice, but won’t be ready to face the team that injured him in the first place. Until he plays, don’t touch the Cowboys.

Pick: Eagles

The Geek says: Romo, Romo, wherefore art thou, Romo? Answer: not on the field yet.

Pick: Eagles

St. Louis (+2.5) at Minnesota

The Greek says: Have you ever laid eyes on your doppelgänger? I have. He was at my high school football game, in the stands with a hottie at his side. When the Rams and Vikes lay eyes on each other Sunday, they will be looking in a proverbial mirror.

Both teams have hard-nose defences, a great run game, and mediocre QB play. So why not go with the visitor — the intruder — who may or may not invoke some self-reflection?

Pick: Rams

The Geek says: One of these teams could be called an NFC playoff contender if they win this game, and that team won’t be the Rams.

Pick: Vikings

Miami (+3) at Buffalo

The Greek says: The last time these two played, it wasn’t close. But that was then and this is now. The Dolphins have been a much more resolute squad under their new head coach, while Rex Ryan’s Bills have been up and down all year.

But here’s the thing: this is a make-it-or-break-it week for two teams vying for a wild-card playoff spot. But the Bills are getting healthy while the ‘Phins just lost Cam Wake.

Pick: Bills

The Geek says: The Bills can’t be that bad two weeks in a row.

Pick: Bills

New York Giants (-2.5) at Tampa Bay

The Greek says: There’ll be fireworks in this one, and it’s not just because Jason Pierre-Paul might suit up. These teams can explode on offence, and implode just as fast.

I’ll take the more veteran side.

Pick: Giants

The Geek says: If Eli Manning throws half the TDs he did against the Saints, this week he’ll be a winner.

Pick: Giants

Atlanta (-7) at San Francisco

The Greek says: Kaepernick sits, Vernon Davis is gone, and the 49ers are officially a broken team. The Falcons aren’t far behind if they can’t beat the likes of the ‘Niners.

Pick: Falcons

The Geek says: The Falcons stumbled against the Bucs last week. But that was against the No. 1 pick in the draft. This week they face Blaine Gabbert, the guy who’s thrown seven passes in two years with the Niners.

Pick: Falcons

Jacksonville (OFF) at New York Jets

The Greek says: Fun fact: the 2-5 Jags are within a half game of the AFC South lead. That’s how bad that division is. It’s unclear who will start at QB for the Jets, but the defence should bounce back against a lacklustre Jags offence.

Pick: Jets

The Geek says: A one-armed Ryan Fitzpatrick — named the starter despite torn ligaments in his non-throwing hand — is all the Jets will need against the Jags. Well, him and running back Chris Ivory.

Pick: Jets

MONDAY’S GAME

Chicago (+4) at San Diego

The Greek says: The Chargers didn’t stand a chance against the Ravens last week when Ray Lewis stepped into the Baltimore dressing room.

The Bears may take note, but who will they send into the room? Mike Ditka? Based on his recent gastrointestinal issues, Ditka may clear the room before he even gets a word in.

Pick: Chargers

The Geek says: Two teams who have been circling the toilet bowl on their way down the crapper. Exciting Monday night!

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